April 29, 2014

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor

Executive Chamber

State Capitol

Albany, New York 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

In response to your comments published in Crains New York Business, we write to reaffirm that

Scaffold Law reform is a priority for the entire business community because it impedes economic growth,

drives up the cost of doing business and property taxes and hampers our ability to rebuild our crumbling

infrastructure.

Page 2

April 29, 2014

Governor Cuomo

Since being elected Governor, you have transformed the way New York State does business.

Today, New York State is more business friendly because of reduced taxes, responsible state budgets and

a focus on rebuilding New Yorks crumbling infrastructure.

The Scaffold Law drives up costs on virtually every segment of our economy, from major

employers, small business and farmers seeking to make capital investments in their businesses, to school

districts and local governments. They not only face higher construction costs, but are also on the hook for

the Scaffold Laws outrageous, only-in-New York absolute liability standard. State agencies and public authorities face the same challenges, and see their already generally constrained capital dollars being

consumed by much higher insurance costs. Taxpayers and homeowners are paying the price, too, both in

the form of higher residential construction costs and even higher tax bills. Even victims of natural

disasters like Super Storm Sandy are being hurt by the Scaffold Law, as evidenced by the many relief and

recovery organizations that have recently come out in favor of reform.

There has never been more evidence, data and support in favor of reforming the Scaffold Law. It

has risen to the level of a serious crisis, and with your leadership and determination, we have no doubt

that fair, common sense reform that protects both workers and the many diverse stakeholders demanding

reform can be enacted. We appeal to you to demonstrate on this issue the same leadership you have

shown in the past to move issues and achieve reforms that many had long dismissed as impossible.

As we have in the past, the business community continues to support your efforts to make New

York more business friendly. Collectively, the business community and our partners in local government

reiterate that reforming New Yorks Scaffold Law is a priority. We find it hard to conceive or accept that all these constituencies, interests and priorities that call for Scaffold Law reform are outweighed by the

political influence of personal injury trial lawyers, and we are confident that working together we can

achieve what would be a much needed, long overdue historic reform.

Sincerely,

Associated General Contractors of NYS - The Business Council of NYS - Unshackle Upstate -

Real Estate Board of New York - General Contractors Association - Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

National Federation of Independent Business - The Business Council of Westchester - New York Farm

Bureau - New York State School Boards Association - New York State Conference of Mayors and

Municipal Officials - Associated Builders and Contractors - Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York -

New York State Council of School Superintendents - Manufacturers Association of Central New York -

New York State Builders Association - American Insurance Association - Professional Insurance Agents

of New York - Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber - Rochester Business Alliance - Builders Exchange of

Rochester - Rochester Home Builders Association - Seneca County Chamber of Commerce - Syracuse

Builders Exchange - Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY - Professional Abatement Contractors of

New York - Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association NYS - Construction Industry

Association of Rochester - Southern Tier Builders Association - Associated Builders and Contractors of

the Triple Cities - Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce - Upstate New York Towns Association